The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill has sparked discussions about its implications for homeschooling in South Africa. Homeschooling is legally recognized under the South African Schools Act (SASA) of 1996, and the BELA Bill doesn’t change this status. Instead, it aims to ensure that every child receives quality education comparable to public schooling. Wingu Academy has over the past 4 years prepared diligently for the implementation of the BELA Bill, and our policies and procedures align to all requirements.
We eagerly anticipate the final framework for online schools, which we have also prepared diligently for, and we are confident that our policies and procedures will exceed the expectations of the well anticipated regulations.
Key considerations in the BELA include:
- Compulsory School Attendance: Grade R may become the compulsory starting point. Homeschooling parents can easily adapt to this change.
- Registration with Provincial Education Departments (PED): Parents are requested to register their children for homeschooling with the PED. This requirement primarily applies to learners of compulsory school-going age (Grade 1-9 or 7-14 years).
- Curriculum and Assessments: The Bill mandates that homeschool curricula meet standards equivalent to the National Curriculum. Annual assessments are required, ensuring educational quality.
Wingu Academy is proud to be registered with SACAI (Registration No. 89304) which is in turn accredited and authorised by UMALUSI as a examination board for students learning from home. Additionally, we are registered with Pearson Edexcel (Reg. No. 94886) and Oxford International (Reg. No. K45851), giving our students access to globally recognised curricula. Our private independent primary and high school is also registered with the Gauteng Department of Education (Registration/EMIS number 700401277).
At Wingu Academy, we provide comprehensive online services tailored for parents who choose to school their children from home, offering a complete support system for both students and parents.
Our Services:
- Tutor and Educator Support: Wingu Academy offers a structured timetable with classes taught by qualified educators, ensuring students receive instruction that adheres to educational standards. Additionally, students have access to tutors for further support outside of regular class times, providing personalised assistance and ensuring each learner’s academic needs are met.
- Assessment Support: Our team of experienced educators and qualified assessors grades student assessments, offering detailed feedback to help students track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Curriculum Support: We offer multimedia content in the form of structured online courses that guide students through their curriculum, making complex concepts easy to grasp.
- Social Activities and Parent Support: Recognising the unique aspects of homeschooling, we facilitate social activities for students and offer support for parents, fostering a sense of community.
Introduction of Grade R: In compliance with the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, Wingu Academy has already introduced Grade R into our product offering, ensuring that we meet the compulsory school attendance requirements for younger learners. This further solidifies our commitment to providing a full educational experience from the earliest school years.
Legal Framework: South African law supports home education, and the BELA Bill has introduced additional clarity. Home education remains legal under the South African Schools Act (SASA) of 1996. The BELA Bill strengthens provisions ensuring that all children receive an education on par with public school standards, while protecting parents’ rights to homeschool.
Registration Requirements: Parents are requested to register their children for home education with their Provincial Education Department (PED) if they fall within the compulsory school-going age (Grades 1–9, Ages 7 – 14). Students in Grades 10–12 are not required to register, but must complete their school year through an institution registered with the relevant assessment body if they seek a National Senior Certificate (NSC). We are aware that some parents elect not to register, and we recommend that you get legal advice if this is your chosen route. We have not experienced any disadvantages with regards to registering as a homeschooler for any of our families.
To register as a homeschooling parent, you must complete the relevant application form available from your Provincial Education Department and submit it along with the required documentation. This typically includes your child’s birth certificate, a description of the home education program you intend to follow, and proof of residence. Please attach this letter to the application. Once registered, it is important to submit annual assessments to the PED, as required by the BELA Bill, to demonstrate your child’s academic progress.
Curriculum and Assessments: The curriculum followed in homeschooling must meet the minimum standards of the National Curriculum. The BELA Bill requires that homeschooling parents submit annual assessments to the PED, and end-of-phase assessments must be conducted by qualified assessors. All Wingu Academy curricula and assessments exceed the minimum requirements. At Wingu Academy, we help parents comply with these legal requirements by providing access to qualified assessors and a curriculum that is at a standard equal or higher than that of CAPS, ensuring your child receives a recognised and quality education. We provide detailed reports which can be submitted at the end of each school phase (Stage 3, Stage 6 and Stage 9) exceeding expectations of what is required on the reports.
Establishing Homeschooling as a Credible Alternative: The BELA Bill reinforces the credibility of home education as a formal educational choice. By adhering to clear standards, the Bill allows homeschooling to stand as a respected and viable alternative to traditional schooling, addressing challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and insufficient resources in public schools.
We are actively engaged in discussions with the Department of Basic Education regarding the development of formal policies for online schools, ensuring that Wingu Academy remains at the forefront of providing high-quality education options for homeschoolers.